Young talent avoids classical drama

VietNamNet Bridge – The performing arts scene has expanded rapidly in recent years with an increasing volume of young talents achieving success. But the action has been confined to modern art forms, with traditional forms like tuong (classical drama) being ignored.

Times are changing: A scene from the cai luong (reformed theatre) play Ke Si Thang Long (Thang Long's Scholars) performed by artists from the Ha Noi Cai Luong Theatre. Traditional art forms like this are being ignored as more and more young talent enters the performing arts scene, but mostly in modern performances. (Photo: VNS)

For instance, some 2,000 candidates applied to the Ha Noi University of Theatre and Cinematography this year, but none to the tuong course, Le Chuc, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Theatre Artists Association, said.

"We are facing a shortage of young, skilled tuong performers," he lamented.

Chuc, himself a tuong actor, said cultural authorities need to invest in producing talented young artists if the art is to truly develop.

The art originated in the 12th century, but its growth occurred mainly in the 17th century.

Along with cheo (traditional opera) in the north and cai luong (reformed theatre) in the south, tuong defines the quintessence of Vietnamese culture.

Tuong is a particularly difficult art to master, Chuc said.

"In theatre or film, amateurs can practise a bit and perform, but you cannot perform tuong unless you are properly trained."

To perform, artists use almost all the parts of their body. If they lack a powerful voice, they cannot sing and dance while also expressing the emotions of each character.

It is an exhausting art because it involves wearing costumes that sometimes weigh up to 10kg.